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Running in the dark

Tips and top products to help  you run safely in the dark

Feature product: 110g, 200 lumens, rechargeable USB. Just $19.95
Feature product: 110g, 200 lumens, rechargeable USB. Just $19.95

Busy schedules, family life and work commitments are common reasons why most of us are destined to run in the dark when the sun rises and sets before we finished and often times, before we have even started.

Running in the dark does not have to be a burden, with plenty of research showing better sleep after an evening run, increased productivity during the day after a morning run as the sheer exhilaration of running in the dark and maximising your day.

Here are 4 great products that will help you ‘light up the night’

  1. Reflective running gear: We have a fantastic range of reflective gear ideal for night time running that will ensure you are easily seen by other road users improving your visibility.
  2. Running lights: After a lot of testing, we have found some of the best lights around for running. Lightweight and portable, we have flashing lights available that can simply be clipped to a pair of shorts or cap and can be seen for distance of over 300m.
  3. Reflective footwear: Whilst most running shoes we stock have some form of reflective material, the new Asics Lite-Show footwear and apparel are a step above in literally lighting and improving your ability to be seen when out pounding the pavement.
  4. Sunglasses: Yes, you read right, sunglasses for the dark. We have a range of sunglasses available with brighter lens options that will actually enhance your surroundings.

Other things you can do to ensure you are seen

  1. Wear light or fluoro clothing: Colours such as bright yellow, green, orange and white are all safe colours that are more easily seen in the dark.
  2. Wear clothing that feature reflective elements
  3. Avoid wearing dark clothing: Whilst black is flattering on the figure, it does put you into a sort of stealth mode, which is not ideal when the goal is to stand out like a beacon.
  4. If you are wearing a light, make sure you use a red light at the back and a white light on the front (we have both options suitable for running at intraining Running Centre). We often see people out there with a red light on the front, which is actually worse than having no light at all.

Remember, we are in essence vehicles on the road/path so make sure you are lit up like one.

If you have any queries or need assistance with finding anything else to help increase your safety whilst out running, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

 

Safety tips

10 safety tips for runners this Autumn

As the warmer months have come to an end in Queensland, it is time to start thinking about increasing your awareness of your surroundings – especially if you run in the early morning or evenings when it is dark.

Here are 10 tips to keep you safe this season

1. Always run against traffic
It’s easier to avoid cars if you can see them coming. You want to be able to see headlights of oncoming cars. Avoid busy roads and those with no shoulders or sidewalks.

2. Choose a well-lit route
It might not be your favorite route to run, but the most well-lit route is your safest choice. Oncoming cars see you better, and you’ll always be able to see the road and avoid potential hazards.

3.  Be visible
If you’re running in the early morning, night or at twilight, ensure you wear white, yellow, orange clothes or other bright coloured clothes. Avoid wearing black and dark colours so you are easily seen. Also, make sure you have reflective gear on. Most running shoes and clothing these days have reflective material (see Asics Lite-show) but it doesn’t hurt to add more. If you can, a running light is a very inexpensive way to be seen (lightweight flashing lights are available at intraining) by all users of the road.

4.  Always have identification on you
Take some form of identification with you at all times, in case of emergency. We recommend obtaining a copy of your drivers licence and having this laminated or a simple piece of paper with emergency contact details and next of kin. This can be easily stored in your pocket or within a lightweight running belt (see spiBELT available in store). Make sure it is not too hidden as you want it to be easily found should something happen.

5.  Vary your routes and times
Potential attackers can study runners’ routines and loom in a particularly dark or isolated area. Don’t make yourself an easy target by always running the same route at the same time. Change it up, not only will it be safer, but it will keep things interesting and ensure your body has some variation.

6.  Run with a buddy
As the saying goes, strength and safety in numbers. If possible, try to run with a friend and seldom run alone. Look for running groups that run at night (see intraining run club), if that’s the best time for you to run. If you do run alone, make sure someone knows the route you’ll be running and approximately how long you will be out.

7.  Carry your mobile phone
You’ll be able to contact police immediately if something happens to you or you notice anything out of the ordinary. intraining have some great products that are comfortable to run with and can hold a variety of items, including mobile phones, gels, keys etc..

8.  Watch out for bikes and runners
Even if you’re running on a path or in a park with no cars, always be aware of other runners and cyclists. Before you stop or turn around, make sure your path is clear. This advice applies to running in both daylight and darkness.

9.  Ditch the music
Try to avoid wearing headphones when running in the dark. Cutting off your sense of hearing leaves you at a disadvantage. You can’t hear oncoming cars, cyclists, dogs, or any other potential threats. If you absolutely have to run with music or some other distraction, keep the volume very low or run with one earbud out so you can still hear what’s happening around you.

10.  Common sense
If you feel that you’re entering an unsafe situation, use common sense and run to a safe location. Call police if you notice anything suspicious.

We hope you enjoy the cooler months ahead. It is a fantastic time to run in Queensland with cool and crisp mornings and evenings. Keep safe and enjoy your next run.

Love 2 Run February 2016 news

intraining’s monthly Love 2 Run e-News – February 2016
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Goodbye sticky summer and welcome to the first day of Autumn in 2016. As the days gradually get cooler, running becomes easier on your body – which is always a welcome relief. Unfortunately, with the territory daylight hours decrease and we soon find ourselves out running under the stars. Make sure you are prepared for the running season ahead with some great safety tips, weight training and some events to increase motivation.

In this this issue:
Avoid the dreaded chafe: Effective gear & tips for chafe free running
Stay safe at night: 10 safety tips every runner should know
Weight training for runners: Stay injury free with 3 great exercises
Brisbane Marathon Festival: Make 2016 your marathon year
Twilight Running Festival: Don’t delay! Entry fees increase tonight.

Brisbane Marathon Festival - 25th anniversary - Entries now open

Did you know running facts – Part 22
Trouble sleeping at night? Maybe all you need is a twilight run to get a great night of sleep. In a study at the University of South Carolina, volunteers ran at a moderate to high intensity for between one and three hours and were able to drift off to a deep, relaxing sleep a mere half-hour later.

Contradicting many doubters, evening exercise doesn’t disrupt sleep in most people and sleep quality can actually improve following exercise, says head researcher at University of South Carolina.

Perhaps runners prefer the romantic lighting of the moon over the sun.

Stay healthy, keep active and have a happy run!

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Ouch…did someone say chafe?
Fear not – Keep those ‘places’ chafe free
Chafing shouldn’t be something that we have to deal with as runners. Thankfully there are a range of fantastic products which can rid us of the dreaded post chafe shower.

What is your chafe solution?
Powder is effective in dealing with the build-up of blisters and hot spots on your feet while also reducing friction and wicking away any moisture.

Creams are effective in preventing friction caused by clothing, such as nipple abrasion or groin/thigh chafe.

Roll on balms reduce skin on skin friction, offer water resistant features and  usually non-petroleum based, so it won’t harm your clothes.

At intraining we stock a wide range of anti-chafe products, such as Bodyglide, Skin Strong, and Brisbane based company Striderm. Speak with our friendly staff, remember we are all runners so are happy to share our feedback on what has worked best for us.

Click here for tips to avoid the chafe on your next run

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Less daylight hours – Tips to stay safe when you are running
10 essential safety tips for the night runner
As the warmer months have come to an end in Queensland, it is time to start thinking about increasing your awareness of your surroundings – especially if you run in the early morning or evenings when it is dark.

Here are 10 tips to keep you safe under the stars

1. Always run against traffic: It’s easier to avoid cars if you can see them coming. You want to be able to see headlights of oncoming cars.

2. Be visible: Wear white, yellow or orange clothes with reflective material and a light if you can. That way, you are easily seen by others.

3. Always have identification on you: Keep your drivers licence or some form of identification in case of emergency.

4. Choose a well lit route: Oncoming cars see you better, and you’ll always be able to see the road and avoid potential hazards.

5. Run with a buddy: As they say, strength in numbers. If you must run alone, ensure you let someone know where you are going and how long.

Click here to read all 10 tips for running safety.

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Weight training for runners – by Doug James (physiotherapist)
Three key exercises to keep you injury free
Distance runners can benefit from a certain amount of weight training. Targeting key muscle groups can assist in running form improvement and performance without adding unnecessary muscle bulk.

The key to weight training is using a suitable amount of weight for the ideal number of repetitions. For runners, this weight should be one that is comfortable to lift for at least 80% of the set and become slightly harder towards the end.

1. Squats: can help develop stronger legs and glutes.

2. Lunges: helpful for improving hip stability and leg strength.

3. Tip toe raise: the slow lowering component of this exercise helps to improve Achilles tendon strength.

Click here to view details on how to complete each exercise in the full article ‘Weight training for runners’ in the February edition of ‘From the Sole’ newsletter.

Click here to read the full From the Sole Clinic eNewsletter for this month

‘From the Sole’ articles are written by our intraining Running Injury Clinic podiatry, physiotherapy, dietitian and massage therapy team.

Make an appointment to see one of our clinicians who can assist with diagnosing and treating your running related injury.

Click here to view running injury articles and tips from our clinicians

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Brisbane Marathon Festival – 25th anniversary
Online registrations are open for 7 August 2016
Excitement is building quickly with thousands eager to be a part of the special celebration in 2016. Brisbane Marathon Festival will be held on Sunday 7 August as Queensland’s capital city marathon event.

The Brisbane Marathon is Queensland’s second oldest official marathon event. Make 2016 your year to complete the marathon in Brisbane on one of the most picturesque courses in Australia.

The predominantly flat course in Brisbane and early starting times are ideal for breaking personal best times.

Check out the start times below:

42.195km Marathon: 6:00am
21.0975km Half Marathon: 6:00am
10km Run/Walk: 6:30am
5km Run/Walk: 10:00am
2.2km Kids Mini Mara: 10:15am

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Twilight Running Festival – 20 March 2016
Online entry fees increase tonight!
There are just three weeks until the Twilight Running Festival. Make sure you register online today and avoid the price rise.

Entry fees (until midnight tonight)
Half Marathon: $80.00 (includes singlet, visor or towel*)
10km Run/Walk: $65.00 (includes singlet, visor or towel*)
5km Run/Walk: $50.00 (includes singlet, visor or towel*)
1km Active Kids Run: $25.00 (includes visor)

REGISTER ONLINE
(register before midnight 1 March and save $$$)

*Sizes and quantity are strictly limited. Once all singlets and towels are allocated, there will be no more available. Click here to see the funky new designs in 2016